Fiordland & the Snares Expedition

Lyttelton - Lyttelton | 8 days/7 nights | Departs 22 Feb 2021 aboard Le Lapérouse

From NZ$6555pp share twin in a Prestige Stateroom (deck 4)
*Higher cabin grades are available, contact Our Specialists for availability & pricing

PONANT invites you to set sail on an exceptional 8-day itinerary to reveal New Zealand's Fiordland and Southern Islands. With an abundance of natural spectacles, allow yourself to be immersed in the southern islands awe-inspiring landscapes and rare fauna sanctuaries, such as the Fiordland Crested Penguin and New Zealand Fur Seals.
Enjoy a sense of secluded serenity as you sail through Doubtful Sound, referred to as the 'Sound of Silence', and Dusky Sound, one of the most remote fiords in the New Zealand’s South West World Heritage Area, before navigating the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound, whose spectacular backdrop captivates even the most seasoned travellers.
Watch as the dramatic beauty of the fiords change as you sail towards Ulva Island, the largest of 20 islands within Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, and explore this haven for birds and plants with well-maintained tracks and walking trails. Amongst the islands of the Southern Ocean, the Snares have the distinction of being the only forested group without introduced mammals, not even mice. Consequently, it is a remarkable sanctuary for wildlife boasting more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles.

Cruise Inclusions:
All onboard meals
Open Bar (except Premium alcohol - available on request)
Shore excursions
Onboard entertainment
Captain's farewell cocktail party
WiFi
Port charges & safety charges

Expedition Highlights:

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand and the Snares
Sail New Zealand’s best known destination, Milford Sound, with its dramatic beauty and vertiginous peaks rising from the dark waters
Discover the rich flora and fauna of Dusky Sound. With New Zealand Fur Seals and one of the world’s rarest penguins – The Fiordland Crested
Explore the Snares, home to more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles
Undertake a guided walk on the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara)
In Timaru discover centuries old Māori tradition, culture and history at over 500 sites, dating back to 1400 AD
Navigate Doubtful Sound’s three distinct ‘arms’ and several outstanding waterfalls, from Deep Cove to the open ocean.


Fiordland & the Snares Expedition Itinerary

Day 1. Lyttelton, New Zealand. Embarkation.
Lyttelton is a colourful town, home to a community of nearly 3,000 people, brimming with bohemian artists, cafés, quirky shops and restaurants. This small town has re-invented itself as one of the most creative communities in the Christchurch region. Le Lapérouse will be alongside the wharf in Lyttelton where your voyage will begin.

Day 2. At Sea.

Day 3. Dusky Sound & Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.
One of the most remote fiords in the New Zealand’s South West World Heritage Area, Dusky Sound was named by Captain James Cook in 1773. Dusky Sound is rich in flora and fauna, both New Zealand Fur Seals and one of the world’s rarest penguins – the Fiordland Crested Penguin – can be seen on the small islets at the entrance to the fiord. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 metres. It contains three distinct ‘arms’ and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Often referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’, there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Le Lapérouse will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks of the ship as you sail through the fiords. If weather permits, you may have the opportunity to explore the fiords on a Zodiac^® excursion.

Day 4. Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Arguably New Zealand’s best-known destination and described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is a place of dramatic beauty. Its vertiginous peaks rise from the dark waters of the sound creating a spectacular backdrop that captivates even the most seasoned of travellers. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather and after rain the two permanent waterfalls of Stirling and Lady Bowen multiply with magnificent effect. Guests will have the opportunity to view the spectacular scenery from the outer decks of Le Lapérouse. If weather permits, you may have an opportunity to explore the fiord on a Zodiac® excursion.

Day 5. The Snares, New Zealand Subantarctic Islands.
Amongst the islands of the Southern Ocean, the Snares have the distinction of being the only forested group without introduced mammals, not even mice. Over 2 million Sooty Shearwaters breed here in the summer months. Four species of Albatross are listed as breeding on the Snares with 35,000 endemic Snares crested penguins. If time and weather permit, guests will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife on a Zodiac® excursion.

Day 6. Ulva Island. Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Ulva Island is a haven for many species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out, on the mainland of New Zealand. Bird species regularly encountered include; the flightless Stewart Island Weka, South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Ulva Island is not only a bird enthusiast’s paradise, it is also one of the few offshore islands with a largely undisturbed podocarp forest. Well-maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people providing a unique opportunity to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment.

Day 7. Timaru, New Zealand.
Located at the Southern end of the Cantebury plains midway between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru is the second largest city in Canterbury. Archaeologists have suggested that Māori iwi (tribes) were permanently settled in the district before 1400 AD. The area includes over 500 sites with traces of Māori rock art, particularly in the rock overhangs and caves of the Opuha and Opihi river valleys, to the west of modern-day Timaru. The city’s excellent museum has moa-hunter artefacts and an abundance of whaling relics; the art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour showcasing the history, culture and natural beauty of the region.

Day 8. Lyttelton, New Zealand. Disembarkation.
Le Lapérouse will be alongside the wharf and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.

Ponant Conditions
This offer is based on availability and may be withdrawn at any time, without prior notice. This offer is subject to availability, cannot be applied retroactively and may be altered or withdrawn without prior notice based on the cruise availability.

Our Cruise Conditions:
Our World Booking conditions apply please ensure these have been viewed and understood. www.ourpacific.co.nz/our-pacific/our-booking-conditions.aspx.